Joel Farabee Scouting Report: 2018 NHL Draft #13

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Joel Farabee #28 of the USA Nationals skates to the bench after a goal against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)

Welcome back to Top Shelf Prospects, the daily column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players. Each day I will bring you a new player profile or topical article in the lead-up to the 2018 NHL Draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow me on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! Last Word On Hockey Prospects is your new headquarters for everything “NHL Draft”! We have a complete listing of our draft articles here.

It is a strong crop for the US NTDP and the results should be seen in this year’s NHL draft. Joel Farabee is another forward coming through the system. He spent most of the season playing on the Under-18 top line with Oliver Wahlstrom and potential 2019 top prospect Jack Hughes, however, has been moved to the second line in order to spread out the scoring in recent weeks. Farabee has scored 27 goals and 64 points in 54 games this year. He was the captain of the team.

The US NTDP is now preparing for the IIHF Under 18 World Championship. Farabee was a call-up and played on the team last year, helping the US squad to a gold medal, and putting up six points in seven games. He will look to help the team defend that championship this spring.

Farabee is committed to attend Boston University next fall. If he changes his mind and opts to go the CHL route, his rights are owned by the OHL’s Flint Firebirds.

Joel Farabee Scouting Report

Skating

Joel Farabee is an excellent skater, with the agility and edge work to get by defenders in one-on-one situations. He also has an outstanding first step and lightning quick acceleration. If he gets a step on a defenceman, he can blow past him and cut to the net. His top end speed is very good, and he is a threat to get behind the defence and get hit with a long breakaway pass. Farabee uses his ability to change speeds to fool defenders and create space. He has a low centre of gravity and good balance and power in his stride.

Offensive Game

Farabee has good hands and stick skills allowing him to control the puck while moving at top speed. Defenders must respect his speed, and so they back off him on the rush, creating shooting and passing lanes. Farabee has good vision and is an outstanding playmaker off the wing. He anticipates extremely well and seems to be a step ahead of the play. Farabee finds open ice without the puck and makes smart plays with it. He could stand to add some power to his shot though. This may come as he adds more muscle to his frame.

Farabee is a bit on the smallish side. He works hard to get in on the forecheck, and get to the front of the net but needs to add muscle to be more effective in this area of the game. If he can put more muscle on his frame, he could really improve this aspect of his game.

Defensive Game

Farabee is committed to playing a strong game at both ends of the ice. He has been a key contributor to the US NTDP penalty killing units. He uses his smarts to read the play and get his body and stick into passing and shooting lanes. Farabee is also not afraid to put his body on the line and block shots. He provides effective back pressure and supports the defence down low. His defensive game is very advanced for his age and is something that will help him going forward towards a pro career. Farabee’s biggest strength might be his work ethic. He never quits during a shift, giving max effort in all three zones.

Projection and Comparison

Farabee has the potential to be a top-six winger at the NHL level but needs some time. Going the NCAA route will give him time to work in the gym at adding muscle to his frame, and becoming stronger. While he will never be confused for a power forward, this would really help out. Farabee’s game is reminiscent of Mikael Granlund of the Minnesota Wild. This is a stylistic comparison only though and not a projection of future skill.

Highlights

The following is a compilation of some of the many highlight packages of Farabee that are available on youtube.

PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Joel Farabee #28 of the USA Nationals skates to the bench after a goal against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)